In a first precedent of its kind since he assumed power, the Senegalese president Pasero Diwimi Fei broke the usual style of political discourse and chose to face the national press directly, speaking frankly and in a transparent manner of the central questions which concern the Senegalese citizen, of the reform of justice, to his relationship with the media, to the political heritage that his preceptor left Maki Sal.
The meeting focused on a certain number of cases that occupy Senegalese public opinion, including the reform of the judicial system, the relationship with the press and the question of the political heritage of the scene of former president Maki Sal.
President and Supreme Judicial Council
One of the most eminent axes raised by journalists during the symposium is the question of the FI diode which continues in the members of the Supreme Judicial Council, despite its previous promises to reform the judicial system.
In his answer, the president explained that “staying in this position does not mean reverse the principle of independence of the judiciary”, adding that his exit from the council should not be an emotional reaction or in response to pressures of public opinion, but must rather take place in the context of a complete vision to restructure the judiciary in a deliberate manner.
He stressed that “the objective is not to leave the council as a question of symbolism, but to launch the foundations of a real reform which guarantees the independence of the judges and restores the confidence of citizens in justice”.
Justice is not a revenge
In the context of his discourse on justice, the president spoke of suspicions hovering over certain former officials of the Macky Sal regime. Here, he stressed that justice “will not be used as a tool to liquidate political accounts, but rather a means of consolidating equity and achieving legal responsibility”.
He said in this regard: “There will be no protection for anyone, and there will be no injustice to anyone. The one who has proven that his involvement will be held responsible under the law, and the one who is innocent will receive his freedom and his consideration.”
This trend reflects the president’s effort to dismantle the stereotype which links political change with revenge, that many observers have considered a positive step towards improving internal and external confidence.
The press between responsibility and professionalism
The president also dealt with the relationship with the media, because he expressed his commitment to press freedom, while emphasizing at the same time the need for a balance between this freedom and professional responsibility.
He said the press should play a role in submission of proposals and the power of detention, without falling into generalization or excitement.
In a remarkable position, the president made no direct accusation to journalists or media institutions, but he did not hesitate to refer to some of the professional abuses which take place in the media arena.
According to his expression, the media must be a proposal and a force of responsibility at the same time, not just a tool of public opinion fed or of account settlement.
“I believe in the freedom of the press a firm belief, but it is not complete when it is balanced with responsibility and professionalism,” he added.
Towards a new communication model
This symposium represents the first direct communication between the president and the press since his election, and a certain number of analysts considered it as an indication of an attempt to perpetuate a more open model in the relationship between power and the media.
It is expected that the characteristics of this trend be presented during the next step through real policies and practices.